Primary sequence and cDNA of insecticidally effective toxins from scorpions of the genus centruroides

Abstract

This invention provides insecticidally effective toxins isolated from the venom of the Mexican scorpions of the genus Centruroides and the cDNA encoding one of the toxins.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. An insecticidally effective peptide, named Cn10, purified from the venom of the scorpion  Centruroides noxius  Hoffmann, consisting of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 1 or functionally equivalent mutations having at least 85% identity with SEQ ID NO: 1. 
     
     
       2. The peptide according to claim  1 , which is toxic to insects but non-toxic to mammals. 
     
     
       3. An insecticidally effective peptide, named C113, purified from the venom of the scorpion  Centruroides limpidus limpidus  Karsch, consisting of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 2 or functionally equivalent mutations having at least 80% identity with SEQ ID NO: 2. 
     
     
       4. The peptide according to claim  3 , which is toxic to insects but non-toxic to mammals. 
     
     
       5. A peptide isolated and purified from the venom of scorpions of the genus Centruroides, consisting of a sequence of 60 to 70 amino acids, containing eight cysteine residues in equivalent positions to positions 12, 16, 25, 29, 46, 48, and 65 in the peptide of claim  1 , being of basic character, showing at least 85% identity to Cn10 or at least 80% identity to C113 and being insecticidally effective. 
     
     
       6. A preparation which contains at least one insecticidally effective peptide according to any one of claims  1  to  5 . 
     
     
       7. A method of controlling insect pests comprising the step of administering at least one insecticidally effective peptide according to any one of claims  1  to  5 . 
     
     
       8. An insecticidally effective peptide purified from the venom of the scorpion  Centruroides noxius  Hoffmann, consisting of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO:1. 
     
     
       9. An insecticidally effective peptide purified from the venom of the scorpion  Centruroides limpidus limpidus  Karsch, consisting of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 2. 
     
     
       10. A preparation which contains at least one insecticidally effective peptide according to claim  8  or claim  9 . 
     
     
       11. A method of controlling insect pests comprising the step of administering at least one insecticidally effective peptide according to claim  8  or claim  9 .